The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain a private school in Jonesboro, Arkansas, became the center of a scandal in when its founder, Mary “Tracy” Morrison, was arrested for permitting child abuse. The incident, captured on video, showed Morrison encouraging students to assault a 13-year-old boy during a group session. Despite her arrest, the school continues to operate, raising questions about Arkansas’ oversight of private schools.
The scandal unfolded as Arkansas experienced a boom in private schools, fueled by the state’s Education Freedom Accounts program. This program, established in 2026, allows families to use public money for private school tuition. However, the program’s lack of meaningful oversight has led to concerns about student safety and the responsible use of public funds.
The Incident at the Delta Institute
On an April day in 2026, Morrison gathered 19 students in a circle and directed them to voice their grievances against a 13-year-old boy. The session quickly escalated, with Morrison physically striking the boy and encouraging his classmates to do the same. The assault lasted for nearly 40 minutes, with Morrison even using a plastic cylinder to strike the boy repeatedly. The entire incident was captured on video, and three other school employees present did not intervene.
Morrison, who presented herself as an expert in autism and ADHD, had founded the Delta Institute in 2026. She had no prior experience running a school and was not a licensed educator. Despite this, parents entrusted their children to her care, believing her claims of expertise. The school operated out of a converted colonial house, with bedrooms transformed into classrooms.
The State’s Hands-Off Approach
Arkansas’ approach to regulating private schools is notably lax. The state only requires private schools to conduct regular fire drills, keep immunization records, and display an American flag. There are no requirements for curriculum review, background checks for employees, or monitoring of student achievement. This lack of oversight has allowed schools like the Delta Institute to operate with minimal scrutiny.
The Education Freedom Accounts program has further exacerbated this issue. With about 55,000 students expected to use the program this upcoming school year, the state is spending approximately $310 million in taxpayer funds. However, the program’s oversight is primarily financial, with little attention given to student safety or educational quality.
Despite complaints and concerns raised by parents and teachers, the state has been slow to respond. In the three years of the EFA program, the state has only intervened at two schools, and it has never permanently blocked a school from receiving public money. This inaction has left many families feeling unsupported and concerned about the safety of their children.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Concerns
Following the incident, Morrison was charged with 11 felony counts of permitting child abuse and other related crimes. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, 120 days on house arrest, and five years of probation. Despite her conviction, Morrison remains involved with the administration of the school, communicating with staff and board members from jail.
The Delta Institute has since rebranded as North Star Academy, with Morrison’s family business still listed as the owner. The school continues to receive state funds, and enrollment is expected to reach 35 students this upcoming school year. However, the scandal has left a lasting impact on the families involved, with some children struggling to recover from the traumatic events.
As the state continues to expand its voucher-style programs, concerns about oversight and accountability remain. With minimal regulation and a lack of transparency, the safety and education of students in private and microschools are at risk. The scandal at the Delta Institute serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked growth in private education.
